Review of the IRS Website

This site has improved so dramatically since I first started using it in the l980's, the IRS needs to be very proud of themselves. The IRS website provides many benefits and features to visitors. This site contains a wealth of information for anyone interested in the tax laws, IRS happenings, or other income tax information.

User friendly. This fact alone is impressive. Considering the amount of tax law information on the IRS website, it used to be a total bear to maneuver around in. It was very difficult to find information you needed on this site, in the past. That does not apply now. Even someone with no computer skills can easily navigate around this site.

Easy to understand. The terminology on the IRS website is easy to read, easy to understand, and easy to find. That, in and of itself, says something about how the IRS has changed to help taxpayers. It did not use to be like that. At all...

The IRS Code is not an easy thing to read. There are many times, upon reading it, that I find myself shaking my head and grabbing my hair while saying "WHAT??!!" In fact, it is enough to make your hair grow prematurely gray or even fall out. To have the Code written in plain English is a skill. The IRS website presents information remarkably well. Taxpayers without any tax experience at all will understand the wording.

E-file options (online filing).Offered through Free File Alliance, is a program that partners the IRS with electronic filing service providers. Plus, the service is truly at no charge to the taxpayer. Of course, there are criteria that must be met. Even if you do not qualify for the free electronic filing of your income tax return, you can use other IRS-approved e-filers through this section. You can easily click on the IRS e-filer logo on the lower left hand corner of the IRS website to gain access.

Categories. The IRS website homepage contains categories of tax subject areas. These subject areas include: individuals, businesses, tax exempt bond community, tax preparers, retirement planning community, and nonprofit organizations. All you need to do is click on the category that applies to you. Once you do that, a new page will open up allowing you to choose subcategories.

Download. The IRS website pages download quickly, even with a dial-up access. That is a nice feature for those unable to get DSL or broadband.

IRS Forms, Publications, and Instructions. From the IRS website you can view, print, or download whichever of these IRS publications applies to you. You need to have Adobe Reader in order to gain access to this feature, though. If you currently do not have that software, it is free and quick to download.

Order. If, for whatever reason, you do not want to obtain your IRS tax documents online, you can order them online. Or, you can call the IRS.

Taxpayer Advocate Service. If you are having problems with the IRS, for various reasons, this impartial service can help you. You can access them from the IRS website.

Make Payments. You can make online payments of your taxes on the IRS website. The actual Department of Treasury-operated site is found at EFTPS (Electronic Federal Tax Payment System - www.eftps.gov.

Apply for Installment Agreement. If you cannot pay your taxes in one lump sum, you can apply for an installment agreement online.

Online learning. The IRS website offers business owners (or any interested taxpayer, for that matter) a variety of classes on various tax subject areas. The business section of the IRS site contains so much information, you could easily spend hours here. Plus, there is no charge.

1040 Central. Everything you need to know about filing your Form 1040 is located here. You will find what filing status categories there are, which 1040 series you need and the qualifications for each, tax credits, tax deductions, tax deadlines, etc.

Tax Law Changes. Of course, there is a section about tax law changes applicable to the 2006 tax year.

Retirement Planning Community. This category, from the IRS home page, provides everything you want to know about any of your retirement plans. There is plenty of tax planning information here, also.

All in all, I highly recommend the IRS website for any taxpayer. Period. It is a truly remarkable website.